Palmer lone Valley team ranked in first poll

PALMER — Palmer is the lone Valley team ranked in the first Alaska Broadcasting Network prep football poll of the season.

The Moose, who finished 5-4 last year and advanced to the state quarterfinals, are listed at fourth in the large-schools preseason poll, which includes votes from broadcasters from across the state.

South Anchorage is the top team, according to the poll. Bartlett and Chugiak are ranked second and third, respectively. West Valley is fifth.

Both teams that advanced to the 2010 large-schools state championships are not ranked, but are among four teams that received votes. West Anchorage defeated Service to win the 2010 state title. Juneau-Douglas and defending Railbelt champion Colony also received votes.

The first week of the prep football season features a pair of matchups that include top 5 teams. South plays Chugiak and Bartlett faces West Valley.

Defending state champion Soldotna is No. 1 on ASBN’s small-schools poll. The Stars defeated Kenai 77-42 to win a championship last season. The Kards are ranked second.

Thunder Mountain, Skyview and Homer round out the top 5. Kodiak and Barrow also received votes.

ASBN Preseason Poll

Large-schools:

1. South Anchorage; 2. Bartlett; 3. Chugiak; 4. Palmer; 5. West Valley; Also receiving votes: Juneau-Douglas, Colony, Service, West Anchorage.

Small-schools:

1. Soldotna; 2. Kenai; 3. Thunder Mountain; 4. Skyview; 5. Homer; Also receiving votes: Kodiak, Barrow.